08 was so Great at the Poly...TR-NEW 2/3 Time to say Good-bye (final post) / pics

[ThePin Princess]

ThePin Princess !!

it's never to late to say hi...I really do love this pic too, it's one of the few I have of just DH & I from this trip...it was proably almost 2 am in the morning so hence the lack of crowds, but it turned out awesome. The POLY was blissful, hope someday we could pull that off again.

thank you for the very warm welcome I am really excited for the next installment

 

[mousescrapper]

OOHH does that mean that there's hope that we don't have to baby swap Toy Story Midway Mania?!?!?!

YEP!

thank you for the very warm welcome I am really excited for the next installment

Your most welcome!

Need to get some crafts prepped for the Bible class I teach on Wed. and then a little Dancing w/ the Stars and some scrapbooking on the agenda today as because of course as soon as I sat down to work yesterday Margaret got up and hence only 2 pages done Oh I guess some cleaning, lunch, and needs to be fit in too

But I will work on the next part of DHS and post for you guys hopefully by Thursday....

J-

 

[mousescrapper]

Ok I know I said Thursday you'd get the new DHS post w/ TSM but my day has just run away w/ me and I need to get Mae to bed and read w/ Aldine (we're reading "the Secret Garden") so I hope to squeeze it in tomorrow or Sat morning...

It's all typed and the pictures uploaded just need to copy and paste for you all.

J-

 

[mousescrapper]

OK normally I'd be at church now, but I'm

and

Margaret is too w/ a runny/gunky nose

and

Michael is I got to Walgreens last night 2 minutes too late to pick up his medicine and he's off his main one today so hence he is off the walls this morning....but at least he's keeping Margaret a bit entertained so I can steal a moment and do this:




UPDATE: Part 3) of Day 4) at DHS!!!!!!!

So here we go on our way to TSM!! We were very excited about trying out this new ride. As we headed over there I stopped and admired this:

We needed a quick bathroom break and then discovered the Narnia exhibit was closed for renovations for Prince Caspian…we were bummed as we didn’t see the other exhibit and had seen pictures from friends that went through. Michael has read most of the books in the series and DH has read the 1st 2 aloud to the kids too. OH well….

Here we are walking into the new PIXAR STUDIOS area (still under construction) and wow it looked cool! I was impressed, but then again this is Disneywood we’re talking about.

So we park Margaret’s stroller and then inquire w/ the CM at the line about riding and entering the line. He asked about Margaret if she was riding and we said yes….we could hold her in our lap. And he’s like NO she has to be able to sit on her own. At first it seemed like we couldn’t ride with her and I was worried, because we didn’t want to baby swap. It took a few minutes of clarification to understand she could ride but sit between us. Which made our riding arrangements a little daunting. We first had figured on Michael riding with one of us and the baby and then the girls split between the other parent and my Mom. But with the baby needing to be between 2 adults only! We had Micheal ride w/ my Mom (hoping this would be OK since this was a new ride and we had no frame of referenc how it worked, but figured it was Toy Story one of Michael’s favorites it would be OK) which then in turn meant the girls had to ride together alone….yikes would that be ok?

So just to recap the riding arrangements on this ride for those with small child or special needs child in tow (don’t worry I’m not giving anything away with the ride that you may not already know….) The car:

This is at the end of the ride coming back to the un/loading area

Is 2 seats in front and 2 seats in back on one spinning unit (don’t worry you are not spinning around in circles just changing directions) and the shooting arcade gun pulls toward you against your lap (hence why a sm child can’t sit on your lap) There was plenty of room between DH & I for Margaret to sit between us and she was partially protected by the cushions around each arcade gun. Beware it does move fast between each station and when it spins around to a new spot, I did feel like I needed to put my hand in front of her chest to just make sure she was secure.

I’d only recommend taking a small child if they can sit fully upright w/ no issues on their own.

OK back to the ride…..
Here we are walking thru the line….very cool! There was plenty to look at! Not a borring wait in any means (that should be helpful for Alex-Amy).

Then you pick up your 3-D glasses (HINT Heidi get a pair for Liam…the 1st time we rode we didn’t for Margaret and I had to fight for them back…she wanted in on the fun)
Then you do walk up some stairs into a skinny queue line which there isn’t as much to look at, but it didn’t take super long before you were walking back down the stairs to the loading area. (Heidi-we had to re-explian to the CM’s here we were riding together w/ Margaret between us)

Anyhow then onto to ride and WHEEEEEE!!!!!!! YIPPPPPEEEEE!!!!!! It was GREAT! Can I say it again?

IT WAS GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (yes it was!)

Here are the scores DH and I got after riding…DMom beat us, don’t remember how high, but high!

here's a picture on the wall at the end of the ride...


(KIM we had used Michael’s GAC and otherwise you really should consider arriving right at opening or get a FP!)

Here is Michael after we finished riding:

We then headed over to VotLM and asked the CM if the next show was about to start and we could still be seated? He said yes, and DH quickly went around the conrer to park her stroller and we go right it. We only had to sit a few minutes but separated by 2 rows (but worth it not to wait in the big long line for the next show for Michael) but unfortunately, this was too much for Margaret to handle and she was fussing and wouldn’t sit still for either of us and DH ended up stepping out with her toward the end. He was glad he didn’t miss the begininning w/ the puppets and black lights.

The 2 girls of course loved the show, and Mae wished it was longer, but Michael was glad to get out…a little too lovey at the end for him. We then needed another potty-break and we looked around in the giftshop right outside. Mae picked out a few things (it’s hard to remember this far back but I know she got a fuzzy light-up Ariel pen from Grandma and a Little Mermaid figurine set from her or me? Plus Aldine found an awesome Ariel frame

For me to put a picture of Ariel and Mae in!

OH BTW have I mentioned it was horribly HOT today!!!???? Um yeah it was.

We were now off to our ADR at H&V w/ Playhouse Disney for lunch on the way we had a MAJOR meltdown from Margaret, she just refused to be put back in the stroller and it was too hot and crowded for her to really walk that far.

more to come soon...

did we enjoy our lunch?

did we finally see some SW people?

did Margaret settel down?

and more DHS fun!

J-

 

[xoktenox]

Subbing in pretty late but I started reading and I'm loving it! Don't have time to finish it all now but I'll be back later

 

[DisMomAmy]

Awesome update! I can't wait for TSM. So you guys got to enter the FP line I assume? I had heard somewhere that we might have to use the wheelchair entrance with the GAC - which could mean an equally long wait. Although I have found it somewhat inconsistent as to which entrance the CM tell you to use at other rides... We have ridden POTC several times and usually they sent us in the FP line with the GAC, but once they took us in the back - which really took away from the mood of the ride.

The whole Pixar area looks really cool too!

Can't wait for more.

Hope you and Margaret feel better soon!

 

[MRYPPNS]

How excited am I right now! So cool that Liam can sit between us. I'm assuming that there is no seat belt thingy for anyone in the ride vehicle. Can I also assume that if Liam stands up on the floor the dash thing (video screen) is high enough that he won't go anywhere?? And thanks for the tip about the 3D glasses....he won't want to wear them....just play with them so he can have his own.

 

[mousescrapper]

Subbing in pretty late but I started reading and I'm loving it! Don't have time to finish it all now but I'll be back later

Welcome...better late than never huh? and hey it's been almost 6 months since my trip and I'm not even half way thru the TR yet....

Awesome update! I can't wait for TSM. So you guys got to enter the FP line I assume? I had heard somewhere that we might have to use the wheelchair entrance with the GAC - which could mean an equally long wait. Although I have found it somewhat inconsistent as to which entrance the CM tell you to use at other rides... We have ridden POTC several times and usually they sent us in the FP line with the GAC, but once they took us in the back - which really took away from the mood of the ride.

The whole Pixar area looks really cool too!

Can't wait for more.

Hope you and Margaret feel better soon!

Yes we went thru the FP line twice....the line converges w/ the standby before the loading stairs. It may be all [area] done when you're there, they are moving all the PIXAR characters there for autographs I heard and I bet there will be a cool giftshop too!

How excited am I right now! So cool that Liam can sit between us. I'm assuming that there is no seat belt thingy for anyone in the ride vehicle. Can I also assume that if Liam stands up on the floor the dash thing (video screen) is high enough that he won't go anywhere?? And thanks for the tip about the 3D glasses....he won't want to wear them....just play with them so he can have his own.

Not sure if he could stand between your legs between, in front of the score screen w/out getting bonked around a bit. Margaret didn't mind sitting between us at all. But the 2nd spin thru she did want a turn pulling the gun! And yes she just wanted to play w/ them too [glasses]

so glad I got this part up before you left....

PM if there are any other rides etc you are wondering about w/ an 18 mo old maybe we did or did not, at least I can give you an idea from one parent/child perspective

J-

 

[mousescrapper]

We arrive over at the Hollywood & Vine Restaurant for our ADR there at 11:45 am. As we are walking over we noticed crowds lining up for the special SWW mid-morning parade. Now I had thought this was suppose to be earlier in the day and of course it would have been fun to see it, I think a few of the kids would have enjoyed seeing the SW characters. But timing wise it just didn’t work out.

Margaret had begun to settle down by this point and we gave her something to drink and changed her diaper in the shade. Plus I sprinkled some baby powder on her to help cool her hot skin. I think Matt went up and checked us in while I finished with her and then parked the stroller. There was just a small group of people waiting w/ us near the podium and they said it would be just a little bit as they switched out the morning to afternoon buffet and stuff.

As we waited we started to hear some Star Wars music and the parade was starting. The kids stood up on the benches to see and I walked over to try to squeeze myself just a little bit into the back of the crowd to get a couple pictures.

Here is what I saw:

At that same time our table was ready and everyone headed in the restaurant I joined them just a minute or two later.

It was basically empty in there and we had first dibs to the food and characters. Not to mention the cool relief from outside was WONDERFUL!

Again I have to say I was impressed w/ our table location off to the side against a window and we had plenty of room. Now I have heard some bad reviews or thoughts of this buffet for lunch based on cost, style and yum factor...but I have to say we liked it very much. Even going to say it was one of our favorite Table Service meals of the week.

The buffet had plenty to offer both hot and cold lunch choices, with sandwich fixings, salads, chicken, pasta, seafood, mac and cheese, and more (sorry I didn’t write down a lot about it) but I know we all ate well and filled up quite nicely despite being so hot and tired already from the heat and crowds!

Here are some shots of everyone enjoying their food:

I noted that Margaret also really liked the mac and cheese and we were pleased that she was eating something beyond goldfish and grapes…too bad now we know that that was one of the culprits adding to her terrible eczema breakout she had down there and the then figuring out she really can not tolerate cow’s milk or any dairy…she’s off all of that now, and on a soy/rice milk cheese etc diet now! But she was happy to eat it then….

This is Mae with a cup of water and a cup of milk….

She wanted milk but DH said it was too hot to be drinking milk and he really wanted her to drink some water, so she agreed to drink both….and she meant it

After we had all gotten a round of food the characters starting coming around. First we met Goliath:

Silly me didn’t realize he couldn’t sign the autograph books with his big paws but Jo-Jo did it for him.

Here he is giving Margaret a big “lion-hug/kiss”

Then came Jo-Jo:

Don't you just love this one!?

And then June and Leo

Have I mentioned that our camera was acting up at all in this TR yet? Well it was and here it started again and we just couldn’t get it cooperating when Leo was here so we missed out on pictures with him, but he did say “hi” and signed the girls autograph books.

Besides the characters they played music from all the popular playhouse Disney shows on tv including “hot-Diggity-Dog” from MM Clubhouse…which Michael kindly reminded me he was most annoyed by. He was not to thrilled w/ this dinning choice and I reminded him again as we were looking at the pictures the other day, this was for Mae and he had other things just for him! At least he remembered the food was good!

All in all I’m glad we made this dinning choice and we had a lot of fun. By the time we were done eating and Leo had stopped by the restaurant was full to the brim w/ guests.

 

[mousescrapper]

We took another quick potty-break in the restaurant before leaving and heading back out into the park. It must have been around 1:30 pm ish because we headed straight over to IJSS.

And now the park was MEGA CROWDED!!! This by far looking back was the most crowded (or at least you could really feel the effects of the crowds) of any of our touring days.

We got over to IJSS and got let in and luckily because most of the audience was already in, we got seats toward the back (which was what I wanted for a quick exit if needed or at the end for Michael) so we sat about 3 rows from the back I think on the left side toward the center. We didn’t see the show back in 05 (as the kids really didn’t know yet who Indiana Jones was), but at least the twins now have watched the 1st movie…and thinking back I don’t think I’ve seen this show since maybe our 1995 visit. So we were looking forward to it!

I can’t remember what Margaret was doing during the show, so my guess is she slept thru it. We forewarned Michael of what we could remember when loud noises came and he did fine, wearing his sound deafening headphones the whole time. So the show was good of course, a little longer than I remember, but we all had a good time, and the kids really enjoyed it.


I took pictures, but with being far up and dark they really didn’t turn out….

(BTW if you recall my original TP plan was to split up and I was going to take the girls to see the Beauty & the Beast show, but because it was so crowded I opted to keep us all together.)

I knew the show was about over and could tell it would take awhile to get out so we tried to slip out with some of the others and well…


UGH! OOPS! We started going the right way and then got ourselves mixed up and turned around (I think in a slight panic to get out) and we ended up going the wrong way and before we knew it we were surrounded by 1000 people, it sure felt like. We tried asking a CM standing in front of the entrance if we could leave that way (tried explaining our situation w/ Michael) but she was unwilling to help and said we couldn’t leave thru that way because the next shows audience was already lining up…blah blah. well we waited w/ the masses of other people and then finally got out.

My Mom wanted to stop in a IJ themed gift shop to buy a hat for my nephew, and on our way we saw a SW character picture spot, but as we walked up the CM said the time was over….ugh!

We got over to the gift shop and then the girls said the had to use the restroom again….I pulled our way thru the growing crowds and found the restrooms, right near by was another SW character area for Queen Amadala and I was hoping we could get in line w/ her when the girls were done…but hence we now were split up and I was trying to call DH on the cell, my Mom took longer than we had expected in the shop and by the time we got regrouped, the queen had left and the line waiting for her to come back was just as long and we wanted to get a good spot for the Block Party Bash Parade so headed back in that direction. (oh BTW why I couldn’t just do it by myself was DH had the camera and they wouldn’t let us enter w/out our whole party…ugh again!) We were hoping for a spot semi in the shade and a seating area or bench for my Mom. The spot we found first unfortunately was by the smoking area….so that was no good. And we wanted to sit in an area on the route were they stopped for the show.

Well we ended up parking ourselves on the tape line in front of a picnic area near Echo Lake and that boat that serves slushies and such…we went thru that huge long line twice!!!

I’m not sure how long we waited but it was awhile, Mom sat back by a bench w/ the baby in stroller in the shade of a tree, while a had a towel saving our spot on the tape line and we took turns roasting away in the HEAT of the SUN….it was so bad that the tops of my feet (I was wearing Croc sandals burned and I got heat rash on them ouch and itching.) We passed the time, sharing our drinks and spraying each other w/ the water/fan mister I had brought from home.

Finally we had heard the parade coming from behind us and when it stopped for the 1st show part, they had CM’s come around near us with beach balls, hula hoops and stopped in front of us with a large parachute. The twins went out and played for a while with that.

Then the parade got moving again and several floats passed us up and we had the dancers and such right in front of us, for the show part.

So anyhow, the parade was lively and fun full of great music and there was this one guy and his friends across the way from us dancing and really getting into the whole thing….it made me smile and think back when we came in 98 just DH and I then (well I was newbe pregnant w/ the twins not knowing yet) w/ my BFF and her boyfriend of the time, but unfortunately we were not dancing and such, I think the kids were tired and too hot to really get it all. It think the concept is a cool idea and the floats were really great! But Michael was bummed he really didn’t get to see all his fav. Characters as it went by to quick.

When it was over we went back by my Mom who was nice and cool in the shade w/ the baby and she said she could basically see both shows from her vantage point not super clear, but she did. UGH! We could have all been back here and more comfortable…but she did say that Margaret was sitting up and clapping and “dancing” along to the music in her stroller, well at least someone had a good time.

I've got one more part to come...need to take Mae to school and then I need to eat some lunch!

 

[mousescrapper]

We then headed off for yet another PB…man do we need to go a lot and then we went to wait for the 4:30 pm showing of PHDL.

We waited for about a ½ hour but we were in the shade and I journaled, the kids watched the tv shows and Margaret walked around and played.
The show was as cute as I remember and we enjoyed the new additions….especially Mae. Michael and Aldine enjoyed the show too but I don’t think they liked it as much as when they were 6….what will we do when they’re 11? And I think Michael is still mad that they took out Rolie Polie Olie back in 05 before he ever saw them…that was his favorite PHD show! (besides Stanley which are both no longer on….speaking of did anyone or their kids ever watch Out of the Box? I liked that one!) ok sorry a little tangent there….

(oh and you know I was singing along to all the shows’ songs…ok maybe not My Friends Tigger and Pooh haven’t watched that one enough…DH kept looking at me and wondering how do I know all of these I hope he doesn’t think I spend my mornings watching PHD on tv.

Anyways most of my pic’s are super blurry but here are a few of the best….

I think Margaret liked the show, but I also think she was super tired…. had originally wanted to see this in the morning and too bad we didn’t, I think she would have been more into it. But she didn’t complain!

After the show we headed back over to the other side again for dinner at Pizza Planet, Michael’s restaurant choice (Ok I know you’re probably thinking we are zig-zaggin quite a bit in the park…but we had to improvise several things today due to the crowds and such….)

On our way over there, we noticed more SW character areas but they were empty, we did see one w/ Goofy and Donald dressed up, and I really wanted to stop and get some pictures, etc…I thought we just had to do ONE…but Michael really didn’t seem like he could handle the line and I tried asking how long they had been there and when they might be leaving to a CM , but I didn’t get a very good answer…so DH said we should just move on….

We then saw a Sand Trooper going thru the crowd the other direction as I was pointing to him and looking the other way…something or someone had snuck right up on us….

Who was it?

Were we pleasantly surprised?

Or scared?

I guess you’ll have to wait and see….

Till the next Episode of DHS and the crazy SWW.

MouseScrapper (J-)

well I hope these 3 parts will tide you over for a little while...I'll be busy the rest of this week prepping my scrapbooking things for a mini scrapbook retreat of my own and then next week I must devote time to get Birthday invites ready for Mae's 6th and Margaret's 2nd birthdays coming up next month.

So have a good week and I'll be back I promise!

 

[MRYPPNS]

It's OK....I can wait until about the 5th of November for an update

Oh and thanks......guess who has the theme song to My Friends Tigger & Pooh stuck in her head now?!?!?!?!?

 

[mousescrapper]

It's OK....I can wait until about the 5th of November for an update

Oh and thanks......guess who has the theme song to My Friends Tigger & Pooh stuck in her head now?!?!?!?!?

sorry....

Have an awesome trip! I can't wait to hear all about it when you get back and the fun you and your DH have with your son's FIRST trip to Mickey's House....oh and happy shopping! (hint hint)

Scrappie

 

[Hedy]

I love Mae and the water and milk.

 

[ThePin Princess]

looks like your trip was reallly great can't wait to hear more!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Sounds like a fun filled day at DHS! I always have low expectations for H&V, but we have had decent food there. The kids loved the character lunch we ate at last year. I suspect we'll end up there again this time for the Fantasmic package, but that will mean dinner... no characters. I'm afraid it will end in a tantrum! or two!! So I'm still trying to figure that out.

The parade looked like a lot of fun - very interactive! Can't wait to see PHDL - we've never gone because the kids didn't know many of the characters that were in it before - I wish we could have seen the new show last year - the kids were totally into all of those characters at the time- I hope they will still love it by April...

 

[ehstrojette]

How did I miss this great TR. Nice seeing all the stuff I missed out on.. next time I am staying on property and not going with 11 people

 

[mousescrapper]

I love Mae and the water and milk.

Classic huh?

looks like your trip was reallly great can't wait to hear more!

Thanks, we've had a few bumps in the road on this trip...but things were still in the end. I think some of the best things are still to come! thanks for reading

Sounds like a fun filled day at DHS! I always have low expectations for H&V, but we have had decent food there. The kids loved the character lunch we ate at last year. I suspect we'll end up there again this time for the Fantasmic package, but that will mean dinner... no characters. I'm afraid it will end in a tantrum! or two!! So I'm still trying to figure that out.

The parade looked like a lot of fun - very interactive! Can't wait to see PHDL - we've never gone because the kids didn't know many of the characters that were in it before - I wish we could have seen the new show last year - the kids were totally into all of those characters at the time- I hope they will still love it by April...

Some things good, some things not....I'll give my pro's and con's of this day later, but TSM really makes up for any dissapointment Definetly go to PHDL now before they are "too old" for the fun of it...you can see that the twins watched contently even though they don't really watch PH on tv anymore because of school....wish I could give you a suggestion for the Fantasmic/dinner...we've never done it so I don't know...any luck on the disABILITIES threads....or maybe take a peak back at Kathy's RN old TR I think they've done it well w/ Billy....

How did I miss this great TR. Nice seeing all the stuff I missed out on.. next time I am staying on property and not going with 11 people

glad you found me! I have learned so much more about the tricks and fun from these forums myself too and it's fun toread thru other people's trips to get ideas for your next one or at least get thru the Dsiney blues huh?

I've only stayed off once as a kid in mid 80's, but did travel for part of our trip in 2005 w/ 13 people...yes it is hard!!! some +'s but as well minuses...we figure the next one will be just our fam of 6....

 

[mousescrapper]

Just checkin in....

Happy Pre-Halloween to all. I promise to post pictures of my crew all dressed up. I'm making Tinker-bell shoes as we type....

Making up Christmas wish lists for the kids for the family...

Printed all the invitations for Mae and Margaret's upcoming b-day parties...now just need to put them all-together that's tonight's project. I'll post a pic later think "meeska, mooska, Mickey Mouse...."

And I should be back beginning of next week with another update from the trip too!

 

[ThePin Princess]

Can't wait to see all the kids in there Halloween costumes and can't wait to hear more about the trip.